Beech Lick Knob
Approximate Size: 11,111 acres
Location: Rockingham County, Virginia in the North River District
Topos: Fulks Run, Cow Knob
Beech Lick Knob is one of the largest roadless tracts on the GWNF that the Forest Service failed to include in its official inventory of roadless areas. Elevations here range from 1650 to 3150 feet, with a great diversity of topography. Drainages include Sumac, Liars, Root, Stony, Martin Lick, Marshall, and Carr Runs. Ridges and peaks include Clover Lick, Beech Lick, White Grass, and Wetzel Knobs; Carr, Little, and Snake Hollow Mountains; and First, Middle, and Third Points.
A very large area of "semi-primitive" acreage occurs here where visitors can experience solitude and serenity. There are 4241 acres of possible old growth.
FDR 235A along Root Run is a closed, low-maintenance, grassed-over, little used road that goes into the interior of the area for about 1.5 miles. Blue Hole campground is at the northeastern boundary of the area.
The proposed Beech Lick Wilderness is much smaller than the proposed potential wilderness. The Beech Lick boundary should be adjusted to the recently scoped Carr Mountain Trail. This trail is a critical link in the Great Eastern Trail and should serve as the boundary to ensure that mountain biking will be allowed on the trail when it is completed. Additionally, we request that the FDR 302, Grove Hollow Road, serve as the northern boundary as this road will also be utilized as a part of the Great Eastern Trail.
Finally, to eliminate the mineral rights issues we recommend that the minerals rights located on the western edge of the proposed area be removed from the Beech Lick Knob proposal.
All private land-owner rights and access will be maintained.